University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Begins Search for New Athletic Director
Mar 23, 2012 | General
March 23, 2012
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis will again enlist the services of Eastman-Beaudine, Inc. in the institution's search for an athletic director to replace retiring director R.C. Johnson. Eastman-Beaudine is considered one of the leading collegiate sports search firms in the country.
"We have researched and defined the job description pertaining to the expectations and qualifications we are seeking in a new athletic director," said University President Dr. Shirley Raines. "The position announcement will be posted today by our search firm, as well as on the University's http://workForum.memphis.educ website and applications will be accepted immediately."
The process for the selection of a new athletic director will follow similar guidelines used in the December hiring of the Tigers' new head football coach Justin Fuente. Review of applications will begin on April 6 and will continue until the position has been filled.
"I have selected an 11-member committee that is representative of various groups and organizations which are vital to the growth and success of our university," Raines stated. "FedEx Vice-President Alan Graf will serve as the chairman of the committee and will work closely with me throughout this process."
Other committee members will include Allie Prescott of the University's National Alumni Association, Brad Martin from the University's Board of Visitors, Willie Gregory of the Memphis Sports Authority, Cato Johnson from the Emerging Markets committee, Tom Watson representing the athletic department Ambassadors, Paul Mann from the Athletic Department's M-Club, community representative Will Thompson, University legal counsel Sheri Lipman and University faculty athletic representative Dr. Ed Stevens. A member of the University student-body will also be selected.
Members of the search committee will participate in a conference call within the next ten days to discuss traits and characteristics sought for the athletic director and the selection process. No candidates will be named or discussed during the call. The Position Announcement for the athletic director position is attached below, including the address of Eastman-Beaudine, Inc., as well as the University website and application address.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Athletic Director for the University of Memphis
The Athletic Director is responsible for the leadership, management and administration of the University's intercollegiate athletic program which has a current annual budget of approximately $38 million, fields 19 intercollegiate teams (9 men's, 9 women's and 1 co-ed) in NCAA Division I, comprises over 350 student athletes and utilizes multi-million dollar facilities. This position requires a leader with considerable abilities in intercollegiate athletics management, a keen business sense, integrity and an appreciation for the important role athletics plays in a public metropolitan research university. In addition, the Athletic Director must effectively represent the NCAA's attributes of fair play, character, learning, balance, spirit and community. Reporting directly to the President, the Athletic Director is also a member of the President's Council.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Promotes the mission of the Department, the University's high standard of academic excellence and the general welfare of student-athletes through the development and implementation of plans, policies, procedures, and programs which incorporate best practices and are in compliance with the University, the Conference, the NCAA rules and regulations, applicable State and Federal laws.
- Submits reports, recommendations and supporting documentation to the President, as necessary, to make decisions regarding goals, academics, capital expansion and maintenance, staffing, budget appropriations, scheduling and other aspects of the University's athletics program.
- Manages and oversees coaches, athletic administrators and staff either directly or through reporting relationships.
- Insures that coaching and administrative staff actively support the Department and University's joint commitment to academic achievement for each student-athlete.
- Establishes clear commitment of the department, the University and all representatives of the athletics interests of the University to NCAA rules compliance, and insures availability of education, training and rules interpretations for all coaches, athletic staff members, University personnel whose job responsibilities involve NCAA rules, and representatives of the athletics interests of the University. Consults with the Faculty Athletics Representative and athletics staff for NCAA compliance regarding the interpretation of applicable rules, and clarifies conflicts of opinion with the President. Assists University personnel, including the Faculty Athletics Representative, in investigating all cases where a violation has or may have occurred, if needed.
- Promotes athletic excellence on local, conference and national levels for the men's and women's intercollegiate sports programs, including the recruitment, selection and evaluation of all coaches.
- Develops and implements long term planning regarding fiscal needs for operations and capital improvements, and also internal goals for strengthening the Department through staff evaluation and program development.
- Monitors and manages all aspects of Athletic Department budget, including developing budget guidelines, approving budget appropriations for each area and monitoring conformance to budget as approved by the President in conjunction with the Vice President for Business and Finance.
- Oversees fiscal operations, with the assistance of the Athletic Department staff. The Athletic Director will have overall responsibilities and be held accountable for finance and facilities of the University Athletic Department to ensure sound business practices.
- Develops and implements programs to increase revenue sources for the Department to include effective plans for marketing and promotions as well as fund raising to promote donor support of the athletics program.
- Serves as the primary spokesperson of the Department promoting the philosophy and mission of the intercollegiate athletics program with faculty, staff, students, alumni, media and the general public.
- Represents the Department at University, community, conference, NCAA and other appropriate meetings.
- Establishes and periodically refines departmental organizational structure to ensure the effective management of human resources. Approves all employee contracts for the coaches, trainers, administrative staff and other personnel who work for the Department of Athletics. Insures availability of appropriate training and evaluation processes of all department employees to assess their contribution to the Department, adherence to NCAA rules, working relationships and coaching performance.
- Evaluates the condition of the athletic facilities to meet competition requirements of each sport.
- Maintains open communication channels with the President and President's Council, students, faculty, administrators, alumni, Faculty Athletic Committee, and friends of the University, including all athletic booster organizations.
- Insures all contracts involving the department, and all events coordinated by the department, are in compliance with all University, conference, NCAA and other applicable rules and regulations, and are conducted in a manner consistent with the high quality and integrity of the University.
- Insures appropriate scheduling of all athletic contests.
- Coordinates the formulation of an annual report on the status and future plans for the University's intercollegiate athletics program.
- Fulfills additional duties as directed by the President.
Requirements
A bachelor's degree is required. A master's degree is desirable. Experience in intercollegiate athletics management or related sports entities is also required.
Application Process
Application review will begin immediately. Candidates will be considered for the position until it is filled.
The University will accept applications in the following manner:
Applications may be submitted directly via https://workforum.memphis.edu/
OR
Applications and nominations may be sent to:
Eastman & Beaudine, Inc.
Katy Young, Vice President
7201 Bishop Road, Suite 220
Plano, TX 75024
Phone: 972.312.1012
katy@eastman-beaudine.com
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, TO MAKE A NOMINATION OR SUBMIT INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERATION, CONTACT KATY YOUNG OF EASTMAN & BEAUDINE AT THE NUMBER AND EMAIL LISTED ABOVE.
The University of Memphis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
